BMC Demolishes 'Illegal Dargah' In Aarey Under Heavy Security To Prevent Repeat Of Bandra Violence

Last Updated:June 02, 2026, 14:52 IST

Dargah Demolition In Mumbai's Aarey: Officials allege that the structure was reconstructed after each demolition and gradually expanded over time.

Aarey Colony, often referred to as Mumbai’s “green lung," is back in the headlines. Best known for its vast grasslands, dairy projects, and a history of intense political battles—including the high-profile dispute over the Metro car shed—this protected ecosystem adjoining Sanjay Gandhi National Park is currently witnessing a major anti-encroachment operation.

The focus of the civic action is the Hazrat Syed Barkat Ali Shah Baba Dargah, located in Unit 32 of Aarey Colony in Goregaon. Heavy bulldozers have been deployed to demolish the structure, with authorities alleging that nearly 15,000 square feet of protected government land had been illegally occupied.

Notices Issued, Documents Found Insufficient

According to officials, the demolition followed due administrative process. The Aarey Authority had earlier issued notices and official communications to the dargah committee and its local trustee, Yogesh Wankhede, identifying the structure as an illegal encroachment on government land.

The committee was given a specified period to submit valid legal documents establishing the legitimacy of the structure. However, authorities claim that the trustees failed to provide the required documentation and refused to remove the alleged encroachment voluntarily, prompting civic authorities to initiate the demolition drive.

Structure Previously Demolished In 2017 And 2018

This is not the first time the structure has faced action from authorities. Located approximately 400 metres from the Aarey Police Station, the site was reportedly demolished during enforcement drives in 2017 and 2018.

Officials allege that the structure was reconstructed after each demolition and gradually expanded over time. The issue gained renewed political attention in April when BJP leader Kirit Somaiya visited the site and raised concerns about the scale of the alleged encroachment. He called for the immediate reclamation of the land and its restoration to its original use.

Police Claim Submitted Documents Were Forged

Speaking at the demolition site, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Gajanan Rajmane said: “A trust had been formed at this location in Aarey Colony, and a structure was constructed here. The structure was found to be illegal. The documents submitted by the trust were examined and verified, and they were found to be forged. Action is being taken regarding the demolition. It was a religious structure."

Heavy Security Deployed To Prevent Unrest

Memories of recent unrest have heavily influenced the security arrangements surrounding the operation. Just days ago, an anti-encroachment drive in Bandra’s Garib Nagar escalated into violence, with stone-pelting incidents resulting in injuries to police personnel.

Determined to avoid a repeat of those events, authorities have deployed a substantial security presence at the site. In addition to local Aarey Police personnel, an extra police platoon and members of the Riot Control Force have been stationed in the area.

Officials have cordoned off the entire site and restricted public access, keeping onlookers at least 50 metres away from the three bulldozers engaged in the demolition.

Kirit Somaiya Alleged Illegal Encroachment On Forest Land

Earlier, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had written to Aarey authorities, alleging that forest land within Aarey Colony had been illegally encroached upon and developed in the name of the Hazrat Syed Pir Baba Dargah.

He claimed that unauthorized structures, compound walls, and hoardings had been erected on government land. Somaiya urged authorities to demolish the alleged encroachments, reclaim the land for Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible.

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